A great place to see turtles! Japanese Garden, Hayward Photos taken February 24th, 2013
Category Archives: Bay Area Things To Do
Fun for Little Astronauts: Chabot Space Center
I’m surprised I haven’t written about the Chabot Space Center before, as we’ve been members for two years and visit frequently. I’m frequently asked the question, “Is the museum OK for 3-year-olds?” Yes! My son has always loved our visits here. The museum is filled with hands-on exhibits, which children enjoy. In the Beyond Blastoff Continue reading “Fun for Little Astronauts: Chabot Space Center”
Beautiful Butterflies: California Academy of Sciences
Photos taken January 29th, 2013 Rainforests of the World California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco
Silent Saturday: Explore! California Academy of Sciences
Photos taken January 29th, 2013 California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco Also see… The Living Roof: California Academy of Sciences
The Living Roof: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco
We love to visit The Living Roof whenever we visit the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. This paragraph from the Academy webpage states it best… “An open-air observation terrace enables visitors to get a close-up look at the roof’s lush canopy of plants. The view encompasses the densest concentration of native wildflowers inContinue reading “The Living Roof: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco”
Ladybug Clusters: Redwood Regional Park
Photos taken January 27th, 2013 Redwood Regional Park, Oakland Interested in going? The ladybugs cluster at Redwood Regional Park between November and February. You’ll find them at the intersection of the Stream and Prince Trails. Look on, around, and behind the bench, as well as across the trail, near (and on) the sign. You canContinue reading “Ladybug Clusters: Redwood Regional Park”
Citizen Science: FrogWatch 2013
As I sit here at my computer with the backdoor open to allow some fresh air into our home, I’m listening to the lovely sound of frogsong. The chorus is coming from the creek on the other side of our backyard fence. Up until today, we’ve only been hearing one frog at a time. Suddenly,Continue reading “Citizen Science: FrogWatch 2013”
Hike: Calaveras Ridge Trail, Dublin Hills
Saturday morning… a misty, wet hike with friends on the Calaveras Ridge Regional Trail in Dublin Hills Regional Park. Photos taken January 26th, 2013 Dublin Hills Regional Park
The Calming Effect of Nature on Children
One of the great things about playing in nature is that bouts of exertion and excitement are often interspersed with quiet, contemplative time. I don’t have to recommend these quiet moments… my five-year-old sits down and calms himself entirely on his own whenever he’s inspired by the beauty around him. I often wonder what he’sContinue reading “The Calming Effect of Nature on Children”
How many of you remember these?
Photos taken January 21st, 2013 Hap Magee Ranch Park, Danville, California
Backyard Wildlife: Neighborhood Squirrel
Happy Sunday! Our Neighborhood Squirrel Photos taken January 19th, 2013
Hike: Las Trampas Peak, Las Trampas Regional Wilderness
It was pretty darn cold this past weekend, but I still enjoyed a Saturday morning hike at Las Trampas Regional Wilderness with my hiking group. At the start of the hike, the temperature was about 30 degrees, and it heated up all the way to about 36 by the end of the hike. I knowContinue reading “Hike: Las Trampas Peak, Las Trampas Regional Wilderness”
Play: Shannon Park, Dublin
Kids thrive when given free playtime outdoors after a day of school… Photos taken January 15th, 2013 Shannon Park, Dublin, California
More Fun with Animal Tracks
This past weekend, we attended a fun nature class at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont. This free class for children aged 5+ and their family, called Family Nature Hour, is held on Saturday afternoons throughout the year. Each week a different concept from the natural world is covered. The one we attended on SaturdayContinue reading “More Fun with Animal Tracks”
Silent Saturday: Stream Trail, Redwood Regional Park
Photos taken January 2nd, 2013 Stream Trail Redwood Regional Park
Animal Tracks: Mountain Lion?
Large print, no claw marks… Photo taken January 5th, 2013 Sunol Regional Wilderness
New Experience: Travel by Train
In 2013, I’m going to steal an idea from Danielle over at 52 Brand New. If you haven’t checked out this blog and you have kids, I recommend you visit it soon. Each week, Danielle writes about an experience that’s brand new to her children. It’s a fun, inspiring blog! Check it out… 52brandnew.com. Now,Continue reading “New Experience: Travel by Train”
Hike: Indian Joe Nature Trail, Sunol Regional Wilderness
This lovely one-mile loop trail is one of my favorite hikes in the San Francisco East Bay to do with little kids. My son and I hiked this regularly when he was three. On Saturday, I walked the trail alone… a rare treat. I enjoyed walking at my own pace, taking the time to stopContinue reading “Hike: Indian Joe Nature Trail, Sunol Regional Wilderness”
He Rides, I Run
I started running three years ago in order to keep up with my son. I wish I were faster!! How do you keep up with your kids? Photo taken January 2nd, 2013 Redwood Regional Park
Keeping things in perspective… a kid and a cactus
I think it’s important for kids to see how tiny humans can be compared to other living things on this planet. Here’s my boy contemplating a saguaro… Photo taken December 30th, 2012 UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley
Suburban Nature Explorations 